Néa Fókaia: Coast and History

Néa Fókaia is a coastal town with a small harbour and beaches; at the same time, an underground spring sanctuary and a Byzantine tower tell of its religious and cultural character. Its founding by refugees from Asia Minor in 1922 also gives the town a clear historical dimension. This means that beach, local history and cultural sights all feature in holiday planning.

Coastal Town and Beach

Néa Fókaia’s beach stretches around the settlement. It has fine sand and clear, turquoise water and is awarded the Blue Flag. The water remains shallow for several metres from the shore, then gradually gets deeper. The stretch of coast below the Byzantine tower is recommended for adventurous swims near the rocks; conditions at the shore may vary. There are therefore two specific points to consider when choosing a swimming experience: the gradual increase in depth at the beach and the recommendation to swim near the rocks below the tower.

A Founding with a History

Néa Fókaia was founded in 1922 by refugees from Asia Minor. The year and the founders’ origins provide a specific starting point for the town’s history. If you would like to learn about a place’s beginnings as well as its coast and beach during your trip, this founding gives the town a distinct historical focus.

Sanctuary and Tower

The Holy Spring Sanctuary of Saint Paul can be reached via a 20-metre-long underground passage carved into the rock; the sanctuary lies at the end. To its right is a dark, rectangular room where visitors can stand upright. For those interested in sacred architecture, this combination of a passage through the rock, a spring and an adjoining room makes the site particularly distinctive.

Festivals and Culture Throughout the Year

The Byzantine tower of Néa Fókaia is also known as the Tower of Saint Paul. During the summer season, cultural events were held on the tower grounds as part of the Kassandra Festival. The Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul is celebrated in Néa Fókaia on 29 and 30 June; the service takes place in the Chapel of Saint Paul at the entrance to the town. The feast date offers a different point of reference from the cultural events at the tower, whose specific dates vary. If you would like to plan your stay around the feast, check the programme of events for the relevant year in advance.

Choose a Holiday Apartment to Suit Your Interests

As a geographical reference point, Néa Fókaia is approximately 80 kilometres from Thessaloniki. When looking for a holiday apartment, consider what you want to focus on during your holiday: beach days with a shallow entry and a gradual increase in depth, or a trip that also includes local history and cultural events.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Polygyros, Agios Mamas, Sozopoli, Possidi, Siviri, Chaniotis, Olinthos, Pirgadikia

For the wider travel overview: Chalkidiki.